Popular MCSA Certifications

Here are the most marketable MCSA certificates, including exam requirements, key skill sets and career paths that align with each credential:

MCSA: Windows 10

Demonstrates the ability to install, migrate, manage and support Windows 10 desktops and mobile devices at the enterprise level. Leverage this certificate to secure employment as a technical support specialist.

Exam Requirements:

Exam 70-697 | Configuring Windows Devices

Exam 70-698 | Installing and Configuring Windows 10

MCSA: Windows Server 2016

Proves you have the expertise to wield the Windows Server network platform to improve performance and increase IT ROI. This certificate also covers virtualization in Microsoft Hyper-V. Leverage this credential for job roles like network administrator and systems administrator.

Exam Requirements:

MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration

Validates your skills in the installation, configuration, provisioning and support of modern SQL databases. Certified professionals can pursue such job roles as database administrator, database developer and infrastructure specialist.

Exam Requirements:

Exam 70-764 | Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure

Exam 70-765 | Provisioning SQL Databases

MCSA: Office 365

Demonstrates knowledge in migrating to and managing the widely-used, cloud-based productivity apps in Microsoft Office 365. Leverage this certification to secure sought-after positions like Software as a Service (SaaS) Admin and Cloud Applications Manager.

Exam Requirements:

Exam 70-773 | Analyzing Big Data with Microsoft R

Exam 70-774 | Perform Cloud Data Science with Azure Machine Learning

Microsoft continuously revamps its career certification program, and this page will continue to be updated to reflect the latest changes. For further information, including a complete list of MCSA certifications, testing fees and exam blueprints, visit Microsoft's official MCSA certifications page.

Insider Tip: The latest MCSA certifications (in Windows Server 2016, SQL Server 2016 and Windows 10) do a good job of covering key tools and techniques from previous software versions, so unless your employer specifically requests an old version, always train and certify in the latest iteration, even if the new software isn't widely adopted yet. You're getting certified for your future career, not your past!

MCSA Certification Salary

Global Knowledge's IT Skills & Salary Report offers the best wage data for Microsoft’s next-gen certifications (MCSE, MCSA and MCSD) but keep in mind some of these credentials are relatively new, so the lower the respondent count the less reliable the data.

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